Calls to restore Nyaungshwe’s Hawnan

Restoration on Nyaungshwe Hawnan is expected to launch at the end of July. Photo: Aye Min Soe

A French archaeology team is working with the Department of Archaeology in order to restore the Hawnan in Nyaungshwe township. The Hawnan, once the residence to a Shan chief has been converted into a Buddhist museum, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Taunggyi.
The French team, who work on restoring ancient structures, viewed the site in the first week of July and has since submitted their report.
“Restoration work to the Hawnan will commence around the end of this month,” said U Htin Aung Naing, director of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism for Shan State, adding, “Our department is not privy to the details relating to finances of the project. The budget will be released only by union government.”
So far this year Nyaungshwe, home to Inle Lake, has seen 100,000 tourist visitors in the 2016-17 FY compared to 90,000 for the previous FY, according to records of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Shan State Department.
There are plans to open a night market in Hawnan.—Myitmakha News Agency